Posted online: Apr 23rd, 2008

Redcastle’s travel to Quigley’s Point this Sunday knowing anything less than a win will make a huge dent in their aim to land their third successive league title.

It has been a miserable few weeks for the reigning champions, who lost their sixth final in a calendar year in a 1-0 extra time defeat to Moville in the West End Cup.

What was for so long a promising season for Bryan Bell and company has turned sour very quickly, with goals drying up as quickly as the team’s confidence.

“We couldn’t hit the proverbial barn door with a banjo,” Bell told 

 Inish Times Sport.

“Against Moville we didn’t create anything but neither did they to be fair. “There seems to be a lack of confidence in the team since losing in the FAI Junior Cup. But that’s what happens when players work hard for something then it doesn’t work.

“They feel sorry for themselves. But it’s just one of those things. This is football and you live and learn.”

Sunday night’s West End final defeat was particularly hard to take as the winning goal came only seconds from the end of extra time.

“I was writing down names for the penalty shoot out when Moville scored,” Bell said.

“But to be fair, they defended for their lives. It wasn’t a great game of football by any means but I’m honestly delighted for John and Bennie, who have put a lot into their club as well.”

As things stand, Redcastle have two games in hand over leaders Clonmany and victory over Quigley’s Point on Sunday would keep the pressure on what promises to be an exciting conclusion to the season.

But Bell believes the title is Clonmany’s to lose at this late stage.

“We won’t throw in the towel,” he insisted. “We’ll do the best we can but we’ve just gone off the boil and even the most ardent Redcastle fan would admit that Clonmany are in the ascendancy.

“We could go to Quigley’s Point and get a result and then it’s onto the next game. But only Clonmany can throw it away. We’ll just try to finish as strongly as we can.”

Redcastle have several injury problems ahead of Sunday’s game with Martin Farren (toe), Eamon Redden (nose) and Paul Doherty (ribs) all doubtful.

Quigley’s Point v Redcastle, Sunday, 2pm